Early Stages of Galaxy Cluster Formation (GCF2017)

Published: 12 Jan 2017
Simulated image of forming galaxy cluster

Mergers, Proto-clusters, and Star Formation in Overdense Environments
ESO Headquarters, Garching, Germany, 17 – 21 July 2017

Proto-clusters, high redshift galaxy clusters, and merging clusters represent the initial stages in the formation of largest gravitationally-bound structures in the Universe. (Proto-)cluster assembly via mergers and accretion has a decisive impact on the subsequent cluster evolution, and is thus an important process to understand. The aim of  GCF2017 is to discuss cluster formation over the last ten billion years, from its beginnings to the present day.

This is truly a golden age to study assembling clusters and proto-clusters. New facilities covering the entire electromagnetic spectrum have just been completed, are being commissioned now, or are in the advanced planning phase. Among the key topics that the workshop will address are: definition of proto-clusters and what distinguishes them from clusters; how reliably do we detect and select merging clusters and proto-clusters; when does the hot intra-cluster medium form; how does the formation of (proto-)clusters relate to the peak of star formation and black hole activity; what new facilities are needed to advance the study of cluster/proto-cluster assembly?

This is truly a multi-wavelength topic and participants with expertise from the full span of the electromagnetic spectrum are encouraged to contribute. The closing date for abstract submission is 31 March 2017.
Further details can be found on the workshop webpage or by email.